Working in Ireland

Only students attending a full time course of at least one year’s duration leading to a qualification recognised by the Minister for Education and Science will be entitled to take up casual employment defined as up to 20 hours part time work per week or full time work during normal college vacation periods. The course you intend to study must be listed on the internationalisation register. This can be viewed on the website of the Department of Education and Science.

Unless you are attending a course recognized by an Irish university, an Institute of Technology or by the Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC) or the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) you should not assume that you will be allowed to access employment during your stay in Ireland.

WHAT IS PPS

All employees in Ireland have a PPS number for tax purposes. Your Personal Public Service number is a unique reference number that helps to you to gain access to social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. If you are planning to take up part-time employment in Ireland, you must apply for a PPS number. Applications are made through your local Social Welfare Office.

PAY AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

You are entitled to a written statement of your terms of employment within two months of starting your employment. You are also entitled to a contract of employment.

You have a right to a written statement of wages each time you are paid. The National Minimum Wage, which all employers (excluding family members) are obliged by law to pay is:

All employees in Ireland, irrespective of their nationality, experience, expertise, or profession, are protected by the law in Ireland. These laws set down specific rules about minimum rates of pay, working hours, holidays, health and safety, changing jobs and employment rights